After many years under the leadership of the Labor government, we again have a great opportunity under the newly formed government headed by Binyamin Netanyahu to bring Yiddishkeit to the masses.

There is a story told about the Rabbi of Brisk, the Bais HaLevi, and the Chassidic rebbe of the town of Biala. The Bais HaLevi was not particularly enamored of Chassidism. Yet the ways of matchmaking are so improbable, and oftentimes defies all logic, then and now, that inexplicably, the Bais HaLevi's daughter became the wife of the son of the Rebbe of Biala. She went to live with her husband in Biala. The Bais HaLevi didn't have much to do with her or her family after the wedding. One year she was in difficult labor giving birth. Her life was imperiled and her father came running to be with her and to pray for her. It was Chol HaMoed Succot.

Happily, things went well and she successfully delivered a child. Nonetheless, the Bais HaLevi was forced to stay in Biala for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah which is the time of high tide of Chassidic enthusiasm and ecstasy. The festivities begin on Shemini Atzeret and reach their crescendo on Simchat Torah. It was Shemini Atzeret, and the Rebbe of Biala with his eminent mechutan (in-law), the Rabbi of Brisk, were sitting side by side on the great porch of the Rebbe's home which faced a large park where is Chassidim gathered. They began to dance and sing to the measured clapping of the Rebbe's hands. It began slowly gaining momentum as the Rebbe's fervor increased. Of course, this celebration reached its fevered peak Simchat Torah night and lasted through the day. No one witnessing this extraordinary sight of joy and love and fraternity for Hashem, and for each other, could be unmoved.

After the holiday was over and the Rabbi of Brisk had returned home, a disciple of the Rebbe came to him and wondered Œdo you think that the Bais HaLevi after what he saw and heard became a Chassid?' The Rebbe replied, ŒI doubt that he became a Chassid, but he won't laugh at us anymore!'

A generation ago many looked at Judaism, at best, as an anachronism soon to disappear. At worst, an object of scorn whose miserable rattle could be heard. Today, they don't laugh at us anymore.

However, the situation in Israel is different. The non-committed Israelis do not look at Judaism as something that will vanish, but something that makes people become fanatics, radicals and all the negative expressions expressed in the media.

The only way to remedy the situation is to be a living example of what Judaism stands for. Now that the religious parties have a strong grip on the government, they should use this newly acquired power to promote the beauty of Judaism to the masses in a lovingly and understanding manner amongst the common Israeli. Just as the Bais HaLevi was impressed by the Chassidim by watching them in action, so to the Israeli society will be impressed by Judaism when those who carry the flag of Yiddishkeit will act the way Toras Chessed dictates.

I hope and pray that with this new mission carried out and we in the Diaspora following suit, more Jews will come closer to Yiddishkeit and this will hasten the coming of Moshiach.

Wishing all our readers a happy and sweet New Year,

Rabbi Michoel Lozenik